FERGUSON: After a fourth straight night of low-level protests in Ferguson, Missouri, anxious residents still did not know yesterday when a grand jury would return a decision on whether to charge a white policeman who shot an unarmed black teen to death this summer.
It appeared that the St Louis suburb, which has become a flashpoint for US race relations since Officer Darren Wilson killed 18-year-old Michael Brown on August 9, would have to wait until at least today and perhaps longer for an announcement.
The 12-member grand jury adjourned and was to resume meeting behind closed doors today, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday, citing an unidentified St Louis County official. Reuters could not confirm that report.
Preaching at the Greater St Mark Family Church, the Rev. Tommie Pierson urged the congregation to pull together as a community. “The power to get what you need is already in our hands,” he said. “You live in a democracy; you must participate.”
Looking heavenward, Pierson said: “You alone know what the grand jury will do. You alone know what the marchers and demonstrators will do. We ask, oh God, for your protection.” Reuters
